August 27, 2025

Atlantic City Unveils Surprising Adventures and Culinary Delights

News Summary

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is quickly emerging as a vibrant destination for first-time visitors, blending entertainment and culinary excellence. Thorough exploration has revealed a diverse restaurant scene featuring celebrated chefs and a variety of unexpected activities, from beach access to public events. Despite facing challenges like closed storefronts, revitalization efforts are in motion, aimed at restoring the city’s image while introducing new dining experiences. Overall, Atlantic City presents a refreshing getaway option for those looking for alternative summer destinations.

Atlantic City Unveils Surprising Adventures and Culinary Delights for New Visitors

Atlantic City, New Jersey has emerged as a surprising destination for those seeking a blend of fun and culinary excellence. In a recent four-day exploration, first-time visitors discovered a vibrant restaurant scene featuring numerous celebrity chef establishments and a host of unexpected activities.

Getting to Atlantic City is hassle-free, with Greyhound buses running directly from Port Authority in Manhattan to Resorts Casino, a journey that takes only three hours at a cost of $25 each way. The ease of access positions Atlantic City as an enticing getaway, especially for those in New York City, as it is only an hour-and-a-half bus ride from Philadelphia.

While the city has long been associated with gambling and entertainment, a new wave of high-profile dining has made it increasingly popular. The city features an impressive roster of celebrity chef restaurants, including three by Gordon Ramsay: Gordon Ramsay Steak, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, and Hell’s Kitchen. Other notable establishments include Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy, offering a diverse range of culinary choices.

Dining Highlights

Among the dining experiences, The Knife and Fork Inn stands out as a 113-year-old steakhouse offering delicious appetizers at reasonable prices, recognized by visitors as one of the best meals enjoyed in years. The combination of traditional and modern dining options reflects the city’s evolving food culture, characterized by both high-end offerings and more traditional eateries.

Activities and Attractions

The stay at Ocean Casino Resort provided visitors with an array of on-site activities, including access to multiple pools, a casino, a spa, and a selection of diverse dining options. The beachfront location, easily accessible from the boardwalk, adds another layer to the experience, with the beach being free for public access, unlike some beaches in New York City.

Free public activities enhanced the trip, including fireworks and drone shows, boardwalk strolls, and a visit to Steel Pier, which is well-known for its amusement rides. A visit to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino revealed an extensive collection of rock-and-roll memorabilia, showcasing the city’s cultural heritage and connection to music history.

Challenges and Revitalization Efforts

Despite its charm and emerging attractions, Atlantic City faces significant challenges. Visitors noted closed storefronts and construction debris, revealing the adverse effects of declining tourism on the city’s economy. Unemployment and crime rates remain above average, impacting public perception of the city.

In response to these issues, efforts are underway to revitalize Atlantic City. A $26 million boardwalk restoration is a primary focus following the impacts of Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing transformation aims to restore the city’s image and draw both new and returning visitors.

Future Developments

Atlantic City continues to attract attention with its culinary scene. Kuro, located within the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, has been named the best hotel restaurant in the U.S. for the third time, specializing in contemporary Japanese cuisine. Renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr is also set to introduce two new restaurant concepts at Ocean Casino Resort, focusing on comfort food and French cuisine, further enhancing the city’s dining landscape.

With an eclectic mix of celebrity chef-led restaurants and traditional eateries, Atlantic City’s food scene complements a variety of recreational opportunities, making it an appealing destination for locals and tourists alike. Those looking for a new summer weekend getaway may find that Atlantic City offers a refreshing alternative to more established destinations.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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